The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Major Joseph Paul Colly, Jr., United States Marine Corps, for heroism while serving at Marine Corps Recruiting Station, Dallas, Texas, on 14 December 1979. Upon hearing fire sirens at the apartment complex near the recruiting substation in Arlington, Texas, Major Colly, with complete disregard for his own safety and fully aware of the personal dangers involved, rushed into the burning building, alerted tenants to the danger, ensured that all apartments were vacant, and prevented tenants from returning to their apartments. Award that continued presence in the apartment building could cause serious personal injury or death, he pursued two occupants into the building when the occupants failed to heed his warnings. With fire raging overhead and the apartment filled with poisonous fumes, smoke and burning debris, he along with a fellow Marine, removed the occupants from the building. Major Colly assisted local authorities in crowd control. By his courageous and prompt actions in the face of great personal risk, Major Colly undoubtedly prevented a tragic loss of life, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Navy and Marine Corps Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Navy and Marine Corps Medal
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Major Joseph Paul Colly, Jr., United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Assistant Officer in Charge, Logistic Support Activity and as the Engineer Coordinator for Operation NEW ARRIVALS during the period 1 May 1975 to 21 June 1975 at the Refugee Center, Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, California. Assigned at the inception of Operation NEW ARRIVALS as the resident Officer in Charge of the engineering effort and given the responsibility of planning and constructing a Temporary City to house, feed and provide for the welfare of approximately 18,000 refugees and immigrants, Major Colly rapidly and thoroughly assessed the situation, identified potential problem areas then proceeded to accomplish the Herculean task. The camp was to be comprised of approximately 1,000 billeting tents, 150 Quonset huts, complete electrical service and water distribution, sewage disposal, showers, dining and medical facilities as well as recreational, educational and religious areas for the refugees together with administrative facilities for an Inter-Agency Task Force in excess of 2,000 military and civilian personnel. Faced with innumerable potential obstacles during the early phase of the operation, Major Colley coordinated the efforts of Base Maintenance and Fleet Marine Force Engineer units located at Camp Pendleton, forming them into a highly effective work force. Displaying a superior knowledge of engineering and construction, he was personally on the job site for as long as 20 hours a day to ensure maximum effective utilization of time, manpower, materials and machinery. With dogged determination Major Colly overcame all obstacles in spearheading the drive by Marine Corps and civilian engineer teams toward accomplishments of the task assigned. Notwithstanding the long arduous hours he maintained a positive attitude, demonstrated exceptional resourcefulness and a genuine concern for the welfare of refugees. Major Colly’s performance as a paragon for all with whom he served and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.